If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink.

John 7:37

Brandenburg United Methodist Youth

You can see the future of any church in the eyes of its teens and children. It is progressively getting harder for our young people to withstand the temptations that bombard them daily through TV shows, the Internet, video games and their friends. Our purpose is to provide a family atmosphere where our youth can come and learn about the abundant love and amazing grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Along the way, we hope to nurture relationships that will allow each and every one of them to grow alongside other like-minded young people, to hold each other accountable and strive as a group to become better disciples of Christ. To do this, we must learn to break down the barriers that separate us, break through the cliques that develop at school, reach out to those who are new in the community and offer friendship, and trust and respect each other enough to share our lives together - in good times and bad.

To achieve these goals, we must make a commitment to our church, to each other, to ourselves, and - most important - we must dedicate ourselves to be true Disciples of Christ.

Weekly Events

Weekly events of BUMC Youth are listed below. In addition to these regularly scheduled events, we participate in several other events - both fun and educational - throughout the year, including a New Year's Eve lock-in, spring retreat, confirmation retreat, Newsong Music Festival, snow ski trip and holiday parties.

Sunday

10 a.m. Sunday School Classes

Junior High led by Eric King

Senior High led by David Wilson

6 p.m. Sunday Night Live (during fall and spring semesters)

7 p.m. God's Hands (during fall and spring semesters)

Wednesdays (during fall and spring semesters)

5:45 p.m. Halftime snack supper

6:30 p.m. Small groups

Youth Activities

• Sunday Night Live

During this hour of fun and fellowship, the entire group meets together, usually in the gym, for various activities. Each meeting will include 10-15 minutes of group devotion and discussion. Led by Barrett Howard and various volunteers.

• God's Hands

At BUMC, we're blessed to have an Interpretive Movement ministry. In this particular ministry, music is celebrated as a powerful tool in worshipping God. Sign language, dance and hand movements are used to create unique interpretations set to Christian music. This powerful ministry has been effective in helping youth to develop a worshipful relationship with their Creator, in addition to encouraging fellowship among its members.

God's Hands is open to all youth, grades 7-12. Members are provided with t-shirts bearing our unique God's Hands logo, which incorporates the UM logo as well. Interpretive Movement typically follows the local school calendar-August through the following May. Practices are held every Sunday from 7-6 p.m., during which time members rehearse specific songs in preparation for upcoming performances. Each practice is closed with a prayer. At that particular time members volunteer to lead the group in prayer, thereby developing and improving their prayer relationship with the Lord and developing a foundation for future leaders. Prayer requests are made and give birth to additional discipleship opportunities.

• Halftime Snack Supper (Fall and Spring Semesters)

This is a great time of food and fellowship for the church family.

• Youth Small Groups

During small group discussions on Wednesday evenings, we split into junior high and senior high groups to discuss a variety of topics. Whatever issue we decide to tackle, we do so honestly and with respect for each other, making it fun and relevant for all involved. Bill and Joy Adams led the junior high discussion; Barrett Howard leads the senior high group.

• Meet our Youth Director

Barrett Howard grew up in a strong youth group and understands the importance of this time in growing spiritually and developing lasting relationships. A member of Brandenburg United Methodist Church for more than 10 years, Barrett has been assisting with the BUMC Youth since October 2009. He joined the staff as our Youth Director in March 2010.

Barrett is a 1994 graduate of Meade County High School and a 1999 graduate of Eastern Kentucky University. He currently works as an insurance agent at Greer Insurance in Brandenburg. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing guitar, cheering on his beloved UK Wildcats and spending time outdoors. He and his wife, Alison Howard, have two daughters, Abby and Emma.